Park Work in Costa Mesa Needs Backers

A proposal to spend $4.35 million of city savings on park improvements must win widespread public support, perhaps by way of a referendum, before it can become a reality, said John De Witt, chairman of the commission that oversees parks and recreation.

De Witt made the suggestion last month when the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission tried to set priorities for future park projects.

According to the city’s master plan, more than $4 million should be spent in the next four years to improve playing fields, playgrounds, stairs, water fountains and other park features.

But De Witt said most of the improvements are scheduled to be funded by development fees, which he said are dwindling in the poor economy.

“I don’t think anyone has seriously given the proper amount of attention to this,” De Witt said. “Our parks continue to decline. There are dangerous conditions out there.”

He said the city would be smart to fix swing sets and other play equipment before someone gets hurt and files a lawsuit.

De Witt said he would like to see the City Council ask the public, through a referendum, whether some of its $14.1 million in reserve money should be spent on parks.

Mayor Sandra L. Genis said she wants to keep the reserves in case the state continues to take property taxes and other money away from the city.

“I think it would be really irresponsible to be dipping into reserves for nonessential items,” Genis said. “I think most people would rather go into the reserves for public safety.”

Davis said the council took $600,000 out of the general reserve last year to make up for lost revenue.

Genis said she would not call for a referendum. “I can’t think of a time that I’ve had somebody call and say, ‘This is a real pressing issue,’ ” she said. She also noted that a special election itself would cost money.

Marcus D. Davis, the city’s assistant finance director, said a city park fund contains $860,000, which is earmarked for spending this year. More than $500,000 of that is not targeted for specific projects, he said, and could be used for park repairs.

De Witt said that as a public official, he would not lead a petition drive for park improvements.